“What will happen to the ghouls?” I asked. “Will they burn in the sun like vampires?”
“Thankfully, yes. ”
We reached the horses and Adem helped me onto my steed. I reeked of the ghouls’ foul blood and my fine dress was in shreds. I was sure I looked the sad sight.
“Do not fret, Countess Dracula. Should she be nearby, we can find her. ”
With a weary sigh, I shook my head. “She is gone. I feel it. He has taken her from me and I am alone. ” I felt close to tears.
“I am here. Perhaps that is little solace considering all that has happened to you, but I will protect you and be your friend. ” Adem gazed at me solemnly, but a slight smile turned up the edges of his scarred lips.
“How can I trust you?” I asked, feeling morose. “Astir sent you. ”
“How can you not?” he answered with a sudden, wide grin. “Lord Astir sent me. ”
I laughed at his response and shook my head. “Very well, dear friend, let us return to the hotel so I may bathe and restore myself. ” I thought of Katya slumbering in my bed and was grateful that the convenient little thing would provide an adequate feeding to restore my lost strength.
Spurring on my horse, I raced back down the path toward my haven with Adem following close behind.
Dear Lord Astir,
As you requested, I have arrived and offered my services to Countess Dracula. She has accepted me as her guardian and as her friend. I find her just as you described: passionate, impulsive, and charming. She is also very secretive despite her penchant to speak freely and with little reservation despite our fresh acquaintance. I have noted that she looks away when speaking of her husband. I suspect all is not as she claims. I shall not press her for further information until we are better acquainted.
Your loyal servant,
Adem
May 11, 1820
Dearest Adem,
Always faithful. You delight me. As soon as you ascertain what has befallen Count Dracula, please dispatch a message immediately.
As for the situation in Buda, it seems close to resolution. We shall keep that to ourselves until we know what our little Countess is so secretive about.
Astir
Chapter 4
The Journal of Countess Dracula
May 21, 1820
The Golden Krone Hotel, Bistri?a
I woke to hear the bells ringing, summoning the parishioners to worship at the church near the hotel. Lying in my bed, shrouded in darkness, I listened to the creak of the wagons rolling down the street as the faithful passed on their way to the services. I could hear the families talking while they walked by the hotel and thought of my own family now long dead. I longed to attend services again with my mother, father, sister and brother. I would willingly endure a boring sermon if only I could see my mother’s rapt attention on the words of the priest as she clutched her rosary in her hand.
Curled up under my covers, I soon heard singing and the sound of the hymns caused me to shiver with discomfort. I would not dare to enter a church for fear of God’s holy wrath pouring down upon me.
I am damned. Utterly damned.
I was overcome with tears at the thought of my beloved Ignatius, torn away from God, his church, and the sunlight. He is all that is good and bright in my life and I know not where he is. Astir sent me a short message two days ago stating once more that Ignatius’s whereabouts are unknown. I am heartbroken.
And the dreams. . . the dreams. . . they continue. . .
After scribbling in my diary for a short period, I fell asleep. This time I was aware that I was trapped in a dream when I felt Vlad’s strong hands against my flesh. I immediately tried to awaken as I saw my covers slowly swell upwards to take on the shape of his body. His long hair poured over my thighs and I could feel his mustache and beard against my skin.
In my dream, I slammed my hand over and over against my cheek, trying to wake myself. I cried out for mercy as he bit deeply into the delicate, hidden spot between my legs. The pleasure of his bite filled me and my hands fluttered over the blanket covering his head. Writhing, I tried to escape my dream, crying out for assistance.